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Words of Wisdom

Ephesians 4 says, "And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God."

February 07, 2008

HONOURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH - Rev. Addie Aylestock

What does this familiar quote mean? "Those who forget their history are destined to repeat it."

The first ordained black woman minister in Canada was the Rev. Addie Aylestock, who served British Methodist Episcopal churches for over twenty years.

She was born in Glenallen, Ont. but ministered in Toronto, Halifax and Owen Sound.

All through scripture there are moments when things happen for the first time. As you study the bible you highlight those first mentioned items. You look at the context, the events leading up to the event and what is the lasting fruit as it unfolds.

For women like Addie Aylestock, she became a forerunner paving the way for many to follow years later in her footsteps. She brought honour to black women who served in the ministry as ordained clergy.

Her ceiling became the floor for a whole new generation of women in ministry.

The Book of Hebrews says these amazing words. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Rev. Aylestock ran her race and finished her course. Now it is up to us in Canada today to do the same. We will be successful if we continue looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

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I am inspired, Pastor Barry. The two ladies featured in your last posts are real role models for a Christian girl - clergy as well as marketplace ministers - in skirts! When I was a girl, I had to make do with David and Samuel for favourite role models. No-one was yet preaching about Deborah or other great heroines of the faith. But it's never too late to be inspired :)